As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Laboratory Associate in the United States is $69,899 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.
However, a Laboratory Associate's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Laboratory Associate's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Laboratory Associates. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 7.25% |
| Laboratory Equipment | 2.89% |
| Quality Assurance | 1.88% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Clinical Research
|
$74,093 |
6%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$73,394 |
5%
|
|
Presentation
|
$73,394 |
5%
|
|
Molecular Biology
|
$72,695 |
4%
|
|
Organizing
|
$71,297 |
2%
|
|
Innovation
|
$71,297 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Laboratory Associates enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Laboratory Associate with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $68,135 and $75,011).
Laboratory Associate Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.1% |
| High School | 15.2% |
| Associates | 8.2% |
| Bachelors | 61.0% |
| Masters | 14.2% |
| Doctorate | 0.4% |
Understanding how a Laboratory Associate's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on March 01, 2026Salaries for a Laboratory Associate can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $65,470 in 2023 to around $65,145 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Laboratory Associate salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $65,470 |
| 2024 | $65,353 |
| 2025 | $65,145 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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